Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a Turkish politician and former Prime Minister, is known for being an influential figure in the rise of Political Islam in Turkey and eyed with suspicion by the West due to his democratic backsliding tendencies. Erdogan is an incredibly controversial character as he has come to threaten the democratic values upon which the Turkish Republic was founded. This article will delve deeper into Erdogan’s rise to power, his political platform, and the implications of his authoritarian approach on the political landscape of Turkey.
Who is Recep Tayyip Erdogan?
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the current President of Turkey, was born on the 26th of February 1954 in Istanbul. The son of a coast guard and an office cleaner, he was raised in the impoverished Kasımpaşa neighborhood and attended an Imam Hatip religious school. He has been politically active since his youth, and he was elected Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor in 1994. He went on to become Prime Minister of Turkey in 2003 and eventually President of Turkey in 2014. Erdogan is affiliated with the Justice and Development Party (AKP), a centre-right, conservative political party whose ascent to power he has personally overseen.
Political Platform of Political Islam
Erdogan’s platform largely revolves around his advocacy for Political Islam – a social movement that seeks to foster Islamic values in the modern world. As Prime Minister and later as President, Erdogan has implemented a number of measures intended to elevate Islam in Turkish society. This includes the promotion of Islamic holidays and festivals, the outlawing of alcohol sales in many areas, and the introduction of mandatory religious classes in public schools. He has also taken several steps to further strengthen his hold on power, one of which is his policy of restricting the freedom of the press and purging opponents in the judiciary and military.
Democracy at Risk: Questions of Democratic Backsliding
In recent years Erdogan’s actions have become increasingly authoritarian, which has caused concern amongst democratic players in the international community. He has implemented legislation that strengthens his personal hold over the government and placed numerous restrictions on the freedom of speech, press, and academic freedom. Such actions have led many to consider the role of democratic backsliding, which has become the central question about Erdogan’s regime.
Effects of Democratic Backsliding on Turkey
Erdogan’s approach to politics has resulted in a significant shift in the climate of democracy in Turkey. Many political experts fear that Erdogan, who enjoys immense popular support, may become increasingly powerful and gradually undermine the Turkish government’s adherence to democratic principles. Furthermore, Erdogan’s policies have generated a climate of fear amongst the Turkish opposition and caused an erosion of civil liberties. This has been further exacerbated by clashes between the Turkish state and Kurdish rebels and allegations of the government using brutality to suppress dissent.
Western Reaction to Erdogan’s Policies
In the international arena, Erdogan’s democratic backsliding has been met with resistance by western nations. European countries, in particular, are wary of Turkey’s alleged violation of human rights and its growing alliance with Russia, Iran, and other Middle Eastern states. This has resulted in the erosion of diplomatic relations between Turkey and western states, as evidenced by recent sanctions imposed by the European Union, which were intended to pressure Turkey to commit to the values of democracy.
Implications for Turkey’s Future
Erdogan’s increasing authoritarian tendencies have been heavily criticized by the international community and wreak havoc on the peace and stability of Turkey. Furthermore, his actions have severely diminished the democratic foundations upon which Turkey was built. As Erdogan’s regime continues to assert its control, the future of the Turkish Republic remains highly uncertain as it appears Erdogan is willing to risk democracy in order to maintain power.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become an increasingly controversial figure in Turkish politics, as his rise to power has sought to foster Political Islam at the expense of democratic values. As he further strengthens his influence, the ramifications of his authoritarianism have the potential to destabilize the Turkish Republic and its long-term prospects for democracy. As such, Erdogan’s democratic backsliding presents a serious challenge to the countries in the region and the western world.